Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice blend)
- 1 cup salsa, your favorite variety
- 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch size works well)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for layering and serving)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies (optional for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and diced green chilies if using. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Layer 2 tortillas over the meat, overlapping slightly to cover the surface. Spread one-third of the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Dot with spoonfuls of sour cream if you like, then sprinkle a generous handful of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the meat.
- Repeat the layering process two more times: tortillas, meat, sour cream (optional), and cheese, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
